Instantaneous water-heater.



F. YOKEL.

INSTANTANEOUS WATER HEATER. APPUCATloN FILED SEPT, 16. 19|5.

Patented Apr. 24, 1917.

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FRANK YOKEL, OF PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA, ASSIG'NOR TO PITTSBURGH LAMP, BRASS'& GLASS COMPANY, OF PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA, A CORPORATION OF NEW JERSEY.

INSTANTANEOUS WATER-HEATER.

Patented Apr. 24, 1917.

Application filed September 16J 1915. Serial No. 50,991.

To all whom t may concern.'

Be it known that I, FRANK YOKEL, a citizen of the United States, residing at Pittsburgh, in the county of Allegheny and State of Pennsylvania, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Instantaneous Tater-Heaters, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to instantaneous water heaters.

Various structures have been produced for the purposev of providing rapid heating of the water, thus making it possible to obtain hot water immediately upon beginning the operation of the device, but, so far as I am aware, these structures, where a capacity sufficient to be of material service is present, are of a complicated character and of comparatively high Cost of manufacture. Consequently, the high cost of installation and maintenance tends to restrict the general use of this type of device, the cost generally being such as to restrict the use to users of considerable means. Vhile structures less costly have` been produced, such reduction in cost has generally been at a sacrifice of eiiiciency, either by increasing the cost of operation, or materially reducing the efficiency.

In this connection, it is to be understood that inasmuch as these devices are generally operated by the combustion of gas, the possibility of loss of heat and the fact that the products of combustion are 'discharged into the atmosphere surrounding the device, makes the question of the relative construction and arrangement of parts of material importance, these facts and capacity generally being the cause of the relatively high cost of these devices.

rThe present invention aims to meet these conditions as to efficiency and capacity by a particular arrangement of parts in which these features are predominant and yet produced in such a manner as to render the device low in cost, both of manufacture and operation, and therefore well within the means of the general publie, thereby meeting a demand which heretofore could not be met by reason of the comparatively high cost of manufacture and operation.

To these and other ends, the nature of which will be readily understood as the invention is hereinafter disclosed, the said invention. consists in the improved construction and combination of parts hereinafter fully described7 illustrated in the accompanying drawing, and more particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

In the accompanying drawings, in which similar reference characters indicate similar parts in each of the views,

Figure 1 is a side elevation of the complete device.

Fig. 2 is a vertical sectional view through the same.

Fig. 3 is a detail sectional view of a fragmentary part f of the device showing the manner in which the water passageways are produced.

Fig. 4 is a detail sectional view taken on line 4-4 of Fig. 2.

In the drawing, 10 designates the water inlet and 11 the gas inlet, these inlets being in the form of fittings connected respectively to the general water and'gas supplies. The fitting 11 is provided with a controlling member 11a having an` operating handle 1lb for controlling the gas supplied to the mixing chamber 12, the latter leading to the burner as presently refered to.

The fittinglO is provided with a controlling valve 10PL having a handle 10b, the handles 10b and 11b being preferably connected together by a connection 13, thereby enabling an operation of one handle to open or close both supplies. In addition, the fitting 10 is provided with a separate valve 10c controlled by handle 10d, this valve being adapted to vary the amount of water which may be introduced when valves 10EL and 1la are opened to their greatest extent. rIhis supplemental valve 10c therefore serves the purpose of practically controlling the temperature of the water discharged from the device. Threaded to fitting 10 is a downwardly projecting pipe 14, the lower end of which is threaded to a fitting 15 having an arm 15a and a pipe 15b projecting outwardly, preferably from diametrically opposite sides of the fitting, these parts being secured in suitable manner to the lower end of the coillike structure 16 which forms the inner heating member of the water-circulating system of which pipe 14 may be considered as the supply. rIhe upper end of said member is connected, by pipe connection 17, with the Lipper end of another coil-like structure 18 which forms the outer heating member' of the system, the lower end of the water passageway in the latter member being connected to a discharge pipe 19. The lower end of member 18 has an outturned flange 18a to which a skirt 20 is secured. This construction practically places the water sup` ply and passageway through the heater as an individual unit, the parts being all connected together in such manner as to permit of ready formation.

21 designates a casing surrounding member 18, this casing having its lower end mounted on flange 18, its upper end contacting with a. spider 22 loosely mountedA on pipe 141, said spider having the outer ends of its arms adapted to contact with a shoulder 23a of a c'ap 23 also loosely mounted on pipe 14; above the casing or shell 21. rlhe cap 23 and casing 21 are preferably held in fixed position by a nut 24 mounted on pipe 14 between the cap and fitting 10, this arrangement permitting` the assemblage of the water heating unit and the casing independent of fitting 10, and enabling the unit to be readily secured to the fitting without disturbing the relative arrangement of unit and casing. It will be understood, however, that the fitting 10 may be threaded directly into contact with cap 23 and thus position the parts together. To provide the proper spacing of easing 21 at the upper end of member 18, the latter is preferably provided with a flange 18b at its upper end.

Members 16 and 18 are substantial duplicates of each other excepting as to size, both being formed in a substantially similar manner. These members are each formed oftwo members a and b preferably conical. Member a; is provided with a deep depression a extending spirally from top to bottom of the member, while member .7) is formed with a shallow depression Z2 arranged similarly. As both members are conical, they may be assembled together by a threading action, the

inner face of depression a entering depression ZJ. After being assembled in this 1nanner, a tool is preferably operated in the depression a which has the effect of shaping the walls of both depressions in a manner to prevent leakage between. successive convolutions formed by the spiral arrangement of depressions, this connectie-n being made without soldering, etc., the particular shape of the members a and Z) being such as to aid in providing this result, the threading tending to bring the opposing surfaces into closer engagement.

As will be obvious, this form of constructing members a and Z) into the members or elements 16 and 18 not only provides for a highly efcient structure with a minimum amount of material, but in addition, the members can be completed at a comparatively small cost, and since the members a and Z) are integral structures, their relative positions are maintained, while being individually strengthened by the corrugated effect produced by forming the depressions. Consequently, these members 16'and 18 are of maximum strength and serviceability.

25 designates a burner of the Bunsen type, the burner having gas exit ports 25 on the side and similar ports arranged annularly at the top, as shown in Fig. 2, the burner being supported on a spider 26 secured to the skirt 20. The loweror extreme end of the burner is connected to the mixing chamber 12 by a pipe connection 27, the latter having a flange 27a removably secured to the spider 26, the latter having a projecting portion 26a formed with an openingthrough which the outlet pipe 19 extends.

The burner 25y is preferably formed with a depressed portion 25b forming a cup at the top of the burner, the bottom of the cup having a threaded portion adapted to receive a threaded extension 15c of fitting 15,

' this arrangement serving to accurately po sition the burner with respect to the inner member 16. Since the outer member 18 is rigidly supported by the casing and inner member 16 by the casing and the burner (the latter being held rigid by the spider) these members will be firmly held in position to maintain the spacing of the members constant, thereby eliminating liability of connection 17 being subjected to material strains. The burner thus acts as a positioning member for the water supply. The cup 25b is adapted to receive any drippings or condensation, etc., vwhich may come from the inner member 16,-the latter receiving cold water through connection 15b-thus localizing any production of condensation in the apparatus within this member. Since such collection of condensation is in prox! imity to the upwardly flowing products', it will be understood that the cup may act somewhat in the nature of a moistening structure for the products. lf desired, I may employ an overflow pipe 25c within the cup, thereby limiting the amount of condensation which may be within the cup at any time, the overflow pipe discharging at any desired point outside of the casing.

A pilot burner 28 is connected to the fitting 11 and extends into proper relation with burner As seen in Fig. 2, the flame from the burner is located entirely above the lower plane of skirt 20, the burner also extending above the lower plane of the corrugated portion of member 18, the side openings 25a of the burner being directly opposite the lower convolutions of the spiral passageway at the exit end of said member 18. Consequently, the flame is not only protected from side drafts, but in addition has a major portion in immediate proximity. to that portion of the circulating system adjacent the outlet for the water, thereby placing the maximum heat at that portion of the system where the water which has been preliminarily heated by the ascending heated products of combustion within the inner member and between the members 16 and 18 is in condition to be rapidly heated immediately before its discharge. As a result, the proper degree of temperature of the water can be obtained with a comparatively small burner, thus decreasing the consumption of gas in producing` the desired result.

The water circulation is from litting 10 through pipe 14 to fitting 15 and thence into the lower'convolution of member 16, this being in proximity to the upper openings 25a of the burner. The water then passes upwardly around the spiral passageway and into connection 17 where it begins its travel in the reverse direction through the spiral passageway of member 18 until it 4reaches the lower convolution and passes into the outlet 19. Consequently, the water is initially brought into proximity to the upper row of openings 25a and is thus given a partial heat which is increased by the products of combustion which pass on opposite sides of member 16, reaching the top of the member where the extraction of heat units from the products has probably reached its maximum. The movement of the water in the outer member 18 is in the direction toward the maximum heat, so that the preliminary heating given in member 16 is continued and progressively increased toward the exit from the member 18.

By controlling the valve 10, a greater or less amount of water may be admitted without affecting the flame of the burner, thus controlling the passage of the water through the circulating system tending to regulate the temperature of the water discharged through outlet 19 by subjecting the water within the system to the action of the products for a greater or less amount of time.

By the use of connection 13, the main valves of the water and gas inlets are operated in unison from a single point, thus providing a unit control for both water and Gas. D As will be understood, the assembling of the parts is readily had. The cap and casing are placed in position on the unit heretofore referred to and the parts secured to the fitting 10, after which the burner is placed in position by connecting` stem 15c with the threaded element within the cup, then positioning the spider 26 and securing it to the skirt, after which the gas connection between fitting 11 and the burner is secured in position through the means which secure iange 27a to the spider 26.

Vhen thus assembled, the structure is exceedingly rigid and is compact, (a structure capable of serving the demands of a bathroom has the vertical length of the outer member 18 as approximately seven inches). In addition, the specific elements are of such a type as can be easily manufactured of materials which will withstand the severe conditions which this type of structures are required to meet.

While I have shown and described a preferred way in which the invention may be carried out, it will be readily understood that changes and modifications therein may be required or desired to meet the exigencies of use, and I desire to be understood as reserving the right to make any and all such changes as may be required or desired for such purposes in so far as the same may fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as expressed in the accompanying claims.

l/Vhat I claim is 1. In a device of the character described, a water-circulating system having a controllable inlet and an outlet, said system including an annular spiral passageway leading to the outlet, and a controllable burner extending above the bottom plane of and positioned in direct opposition to more than a single convolution of the outlet portion of said spiral passageway, whereby the water will be subjected to its maximum heating action immediately in advance of its discharge from the system, said burner and the water supply for the passageway being connected together, whereby the burner acts as a positioning member for the supply connections.

2. In a device of the character described, a water-circulating system having a controllable inlet and a permanently-open outlet, said system including an annular spiral passageway leading to the outlet, and a controllable burner extending above the bottom plane of and positioned in direct opposition to lmore than a single convolution of the outlet portion of said spiral passageway, whereby the water will be subjected to its maximum heating action immediately in advance of its discharge from the system, said burner and the water supply for the passageway being connected together, whereby the burner acts as a positioning member for the supply connections.

8. In a device of the character described, a water-circulating system having a controllable inlet and an outlet, said system including an outer and inner member each having a spiral water passageway, said members being connected to join the passageways, a water supply leading to said inner member, the outer member extending below the inner member and carrying the outlet, and a controllable burner extending above the bottom plane of and positioned in direct opposition to more than a single convolution of the passageway leading immediately to the outlet, and also in juxtaposition to the inlet end of the spiral passageway of the inner member.

4. In a device of the character described, a water-circulating system having a controllable inlet and an outlet, said system including an annular spiral passageway leading to the outlet, and a controllable burner positioned in direct opposition to more than a single convolution of the outlet portion of said spiral passageway, and means within the system for independently controlling the flow of water therethrough, said means remaining unaffected by the results of controllable inlet manipulation.

5. In a device of the character described, a water-circulating system having a controllable inlet and an outlet, said system including an annular spiral passageway leading to the outlet, and a controllable burner positioned in direct opposition to more than a single convolution of the outlet portion of said spiral passageway, and means within the system :for independently controlling the flow of water therethrough, said means being positioned in juxtaposition to the controllable inlet, said means remaining unaiiected by the results of controllable inlet manipulation.

6. In a device of the character described, a water-circulating system having a controllable inlet and an outlet, said system including an annular spiral passageway leading to the outlet, and a controllable burner positioned in direct opposition to more than a single convolution of the outlet portion of said spiral passageway, said system including a supply pipe directly connected to and forming a support for the burner, said burner acting as a positioning member for the supply pipe.

7. In a device of the character described, a water-circulating system having a controllable inlet and an outlet, said system including an annular spiral passageway leading to the outlet, and a controllable burner positioned indirect opposition to more than a single convolution of the outlet portion of said spiral passageway, said system including a supply pipe, and threaded means directly connecting the supply pipe and burner, whereby the latter is removably supported by the supply pipe, said burner acting as a positioning member for the supply 1 e. p In a device of the character described, a water-circulating system having a controllable inlet and an outlet, said system including an annular spiral passageway leading to the outlet, said system also including a supply pipe, a burner directly supported by said pipe in direct opposition to more than a single convolution of said passageway adjacent the outlet, said burner acting as a positioning member for the supply pipe and a controllable gas inlet leading to said burner.

9. In a device of the character described, a water-circulating system having a controllable inlet and an outlet, said system including an annular spiral passageway leading to the outlet, said system also including -a supply pipe, a burner supported by said pipe in direct opposition to more than a single convolution of said passageway adjacent the outlet, an annular skirt depending from said system, a spider carried by the skirt, and a controllable gas inlet leading to said burner and secured to said spider.

10. In a device of the character described, a water-circulating system having a controllable inlet and an outlet, said system including an annular spiral passageway leading to the outlet, said system including a supply pipe, a' burner supported by said pipe in direct opposition to more than a single convolution of said passageway adjacent the outlet,-said burner acting as a positioning member for the supply pipe, and a controllable gas inlet leading to said burner, said controllable gas and water inlets being located at opposite ends of the device, and means for connecting the inlet controls to provide movements thereof in unison.

11. In a device of the character described, a water-circulating system having a controllable inlet and an outlet, said system including a pair of annular members each having a spiral water passageway, said members being connected to join the passageways, a water supply leading to one of said members, the other member carrying the outlet, said outer member having a depending skirt, a casing surrounding said outer member, a cap above said members and casing, a burner supported by the supply tube and extending above the bottom plane of the passageway of the outer member, a spider carried by said skirt, and a controllable gas inlet .leading to the burner and secured to said spider.

12. In a device of the character described, a water-circulating system unit comprising a pair of conical-shaped concentrically-arranged members connected at their upper ends by a passageway, said members each having a spirally arranged water passageway, a water supply extending axially through and connected to the inner member of the unit, and a water outlet connected to a spiral convolution of the outer member.

13. In a device of the character described, a water-circulating system unit comprising a pair of conical-shaped concentrically-arranged members connected at their upper ends by a passageway, said members each having a relatively-narrow spirally-arranged water passageway, a water supply extending axially through and connected to the inner member of the unit, and a water outlet connected to a spiral convolution of the outer member.

14E. In a device of the character described, a water-circulating system unit comprising a pair of conical-shaped concentrically-arranged members connected at their upper ends by a passageway, said members each having a spirally-arranged water passageway, a water supply extending axially,

through and connected to the inner member of the unit, and a water outlet connected to a spiral convolution of the outer member, said supply having a controllable inlet, said Outlet being permanently open.

15. In a device of the character described, a water-circulating system unit comprising a pair of conical-shaped concentrically-arranged members connected at their upper ends by a passageway, said members each having a spirally-arranged water passageway, a water supply extending through and connected to the inner member of the unit, and a water outlet connected to a spiral convolution of the outer member, said supply having a controllable inlet, said outlet being permanently open, and means between the controllable inlet and the inner member for independently controlling the iiow of water therethrough, said means remaining unaiiected by the results of controllable inlet manipulation.

16. In a device of the character described, a water-circulating system having an element comprising a pair of conical-shaped members each having inwardly-extending depressions arranged spirally from one end to the other of the conical-shaped portions, the depressions of the inner member being of less depth than those of the outer member, the walls of said depressions being complemental to permit a threading action therebetween in assembling the members.

17 In a device of the character described,

a water-circulating system having an element comprising a pair of conical-shaped members each having inwardly-extending depressions arranged spirally from one end to the other of the conical-shaped portions, the depressions of the inner member being of less depth than those of the outer member, the walls of said depressions being complemental to permit a threading action therebetween in assembling the members, the depth of the depressions of the outer member being sufficient to form a spiral water passageway between the members with the inner member providing the inner wall of the passageway.

18. In a device of the character described, a water-circulating system having a controllable inlet and an outlet, said system including an annular spiral passageway leading to the outlet, a supply pipe within the system, a burner supported directly by said pipe and extending above the bottom plane of the passageway, said burner having a cup-shaped depression to receive condensation from the system, and a controllable gas inlet for said burner.

19. In a device of the character described, a water-circulating system having a controllable inlet and an outlet, said system including an annular spiral passageway leading t0 the outlet, a supply pipe within the system, a burner supported directly by said pipe and extending above the bottom plane of the passageway, said burner having a cup-shaped depression/to receive condensation from the system, an overiow pipe for said burner depression, and a controllable gas inlet for said burner.

In testimony whereof I aiiix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

FRANK YOKEL. Witnesses:

JoHN J. BURNS, Trios. H. JOHN.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents, Washington, D. C. 

